Oakland Athletics claim Carlos Ramirez off waivers

With their pitching staff depleted by injuries, the Oakland A’s added some bullpen depth on Sunday, claiming reliever Carlos Ramirez off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. Ramirez was designated for assignment earlier this weekend by Toronto.

The right-hander made two appearances in the big leagues this year, allowing a run on one hit and five walks in 2.1 innings. He struck out three. Ramirez had a 2.70 ERA in 16.2 innings for the Blue Jays last year. The 27 year old right-hander has a career 2.51 ERA in 161 minor league innings. He has 157 strikeouts and 82 walks.

The 6-foot-5 Ramirez began his career as an outfielder. He rose as high as the Low-A Midwest League before being converted into a pitcher. He’s mainly a fastball-slider pitcher, with his fastball sitting in the low-90s with sinking action. His command can waiver at times, although he threw strikes pretty consistently during his big league stint last season. Ramirez has options remaining, so the A’s will be able to shuffle him between the big leagues and Triple-A as needed.